Keep It Green In 2019 | 7-Eleven RENEW

It’s that time of the year, and all over social media you’re seeing it.

“New Year. New Me”

New gym memberships, promises to eat healthier, weight loss goals, plans of self improvement – the list of New Year’s Resolutions goes on and on. While some people’s best intentions may go by the wayside, you should commit to it and make some amazing changes. That being said, here are 5 ways you can incorporate some green and eco-friendly elements into your New Year’s Resolutions.

Donate

Odds are you received some gifts for the holidays that eliminated the need for items you already possess. Whether they be clothes, appliances or furniture, you don’t have to let these items cramp your home – donate them! Goodwill or Salvation Army are always viable options and they are also tax deductible. Plus you’ll be helping someone in need. Donate.

Reuse

Even though the countless plastic bags you have under your sink may come in handy, using reusable bags when you shop can decrease your plastic consumption and environmental footprint.

Keep your reusable bags in your car or next to your front door so you don’t forget to use them. It’s that simple!

Go Green at the Office

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, consider using a reusable stainless steel container. These durable and washable containers are designed to keep your beverage hot for hours while reducing your footprint. Just ask your local 7-Eleven RENEW sales associate if you can fill up first!

These containers are also good for cold beverages such as Kombucha, soda and ice water.

Also consider bringing utensils and reusable plastic containers from home for your lunch and snacks.

If you do use plastics and papers make sure to recycle them. If your office doesn’t have a recycling program ask around and see if you can implement one!

Think of all the plastic bottles, paper plates, plastic utensils, coffee cups and glass bottles that can end up in your car’s floorboard or the office’s trash can. You can eliminate these by using reusable containers. Do it.

Compost

Composting is a natural process of recycling organic material. Once broken down, the materials that have been composted can be used for mulching and for fertilizer for gardens.

First, you will need to find a spot to compost (I would suggest your backyard). Once you’ve chosen a spot you have two options; You can either construct a bin or simply start a pile. If constructing a bin, follow these steps.

After you’ve decided on a bin versus a pile, you need to start with an initial mix of brown and green materials. Brown materials will be items such as lawn and garden trimmings as well as leaves. You should have plenty of leaves in your yard since fall has ended and trees should be bare. Combine these brown materials with green items such as fruit and vegetable scraps.

After this initial compost mixture, all you need to do is continue to contribute any food scraps that you have. Egg shells, coffee grounds, veggies and even stale bread can also be composted.You will need to water, stir or flip the contents occasionally. That’s it, you’re ready to start composting!

Keep in mind, some cities provide containers and offer compost pick up. Make sure to check to make sure yours does!

It’s never a bad time to find a nonprofit to work with in the new year. Keep an eye out for groups that work to improve green spaces, parks and participate in litter clean ups. This will help green your community for everyone in your area to enjoy and breathe easy.

Applying these easy green habits and activities to your life can and will help you go green in 2019. You can also visit your local 7-Eleven and fill up with 7-Eleven RENEW to reduce your emissions by up to 30%.